Exciting news is on the horizon as NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, along with his team, is gearing up to provide an update on the Artemis lunar program. The press conference is scheduled to take place at the agency’s headquarters in Washington at 1 pm EST (6 pm GMT) and will be live-streamed on NASA+.
During the conference, NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, commander of the upcoming Artemis II mission, will also be present. Artemis II, originally planned for 2024, has been rescheduled for next September. Wiseman will be joined by Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen on this historic mission. Notably, Koch and Glover will make history as the first woman and person of color to travel to deep space.
As anticipation builds for the announcement, there is speculation about what will be revealed. It could involve details about the launch window for Artemis II or potentially concerns regarding Artemis III, the mission set to return humans to the Moon after more than 50 years.
One crucial aspect of the Artemis III mission is the lunar descent module provided by SpaceX, utilizing their Starship. However, challenges remain as the Starship has yet to demonstrate safe vertical landing or relaunch capabilities, essential for a successful Moon landing. Additionally, SpaceX is expected to showcase refueling in space in 2025 as part of the mission preparations.
NASA emphasizes the importance of the propellant transfer test in certifying the lander for future missions. Any delays in Starship testing could potentially push back the Artemis III mission from its current target date of September 2026. A recent analysis by the Government Accountability Office even suggests a potential delay until 2028.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Artemis lunar program and the exciting advancements in space exploration. NASA is committed to ensuring astronaut safety and mission success as they continue their journey back to the Moon and beyond.
